"Jake! How does it feel to be an NHL rookie, going into your first game in a few hours?" One of the reporters asked me.

"It's amazing." I answered. "I have so many things going through my head right now, I have no idea what's gonna happen when I get on the ice, but I'll try my best."

The pre-game media press conference was over, and I stood up, heading for the door to play soccer with my team before getting on the ice for warmup.

I met some of my teammates who weren't attending the press conference, and headed to the hallway near the storage rooms. I grabbed my ball from Drew, and tossed it in the middle of our circle, to start the game.

Mike kicked the ball toward me, and I deflected it toward Dustin. He bounced it off of his knee expertly, and it went to Anze.

"Hey Kops!" I called to him. "I'm betting your out first!"

He glared at me, and drilled the ball in my direction. I juggled the ball about 4 or 5 times, and then sent it back, harder than he had kicked it. It hit him in the chest, and dropped to the ground.

"Out Kops!" Called Mike, shoving him out of the circle.

Anze laughed, and went to sit down near the wall.

"That's right! You're out! How much was that bet?" I teased him.

He motioned for me to toss him the camera. I did, and he began to film the game. I grinned. The game was coming closer and closer.